Aston Villa player ratings v Watford: Jordan Ayew shows his quality

Mark Bunn 6/10 – Couldn’t really do anything about Troy Denney’s two late goals but should take some blame for his questionable positioning on Almen Abdi’s first-half free-kick. Made a couple of decent saves either side of the break.

Alan Hutton 5.5/10 – Given license to get forward with Villa starting with three centre-backs but failed to take advantage of the extra freedom. Also seemed to fall asleep on the second equaliser.

Ciaran Clark 7/10 – Headed home the opener in the 28th-minute and looked solid throughout, recording six clearances, two interceptions and blocking two shots. Did let his guard down a bit on the winner, though.

Joleon Lescott 6/10 – Did a decent job of containing Odion Ighalo for most of the afternoon but ruined his good work by letting Denney slip between and Clark for the stoppage-time winner far too easily.

Kevin Toner 7/10 – Making his first Premier League start, the Irishman didn’t look at all out of place and came close to scoring in the second half with a set-piece header. Can hold his head high despite the result.

Aly Cissokho 5.5/10 – Sent off for a poor challenge with 16 minutes remaining which proved to be the turning point. Had served up a couple of teasing crosses beforehand.

Leandro Bacuna 5/10 – Guilty of some slack marking on Deeney’s first goal and did little else of note aside from getting booked. Booed from start to finish once again.

Idrissa Gana 7/10 – Very lively in the centre of the park and constantly looking to push forward with the ball. Forced off in the latter stages after ending up on the receiving end of a vicious challenge from Abdi.

Ashley Westwood 7/10 – Set up Clark’s goal from a corner and made an excellent goal-line clearance just before the hour. Another solid outing after last weekend’s two-goal performance.

Jordan Ayew 7.5/10 – Fired home his seventh goal of the season two minutes after the break following a nice one-two with Gestede and fashioned several other chances with his skill, pace and determination. Taken off to a standing ovation from the travelling fans with 12 minutes left as Black tried and failed to hold onto the lead.

Rudy Gestede 6/10 – Set up Ayew’s strike and proved a handful with his physicality up top, winning 13 aerial duels. Missed a glaring chance to extend Villa’s lead soon after the second goal, however, when he blazed over from close-range.

Freddie Shires

Freddie is a freelance sports writer, having recently completed an MA in Sports Journalism at St. Mary’s University, Twickenham. With an especially keen interest in all things American sports-related, he has written extensively about the NFL, MLS and the U.S. national team for various sites.